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¹hitch

verb \ˈhich\

: to attach, fasten, or connect (something) with a hook, knot, etc.

Full Definition of HITCH

transitive verb

: to move by jerks or with a tug

a : to catch or fasten by or as if by a hook or knot <hitched his horse to the fence post>

b (1) : to connect (a vehicle or implement) with a source of motive power <hitch a rake to a tractor> (2) : to attach (a source of motive power) to a vehicle or instrument <hitch the horses to the wagon>

c : to join in marriage <got hitched>

: hitchhike

intransitive verb

: to move with halts and jerks : hobble

a : to become entangled, made fast, or linked

b : to become joined in marriage

: hitchhike

— hitch·er noun

See hitch defined for English-language learners

See hitch defined for kids

Origin of HITCH

Middle English hytchen

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to HITCH

Synonyms: buck, jerk, hoick, jolt, twitch, yank

Antonyms: disconnect, disjoin, disjoint, dissever, disunite, separate, unchain, uncouple, unhitch, unlink, unyoke

Rhymes with HITCH

bitch, ditch, fitch, flitch, glitch, itch, kitsch, niche, pitch, quitch, rich, snitch, stitch, such, switch, twitch, which, witch

²hitch

noun

: a hidden problem that makes something more complicated or difficult to do

: a device that is used to connect one thing (such as a plow or trailer) to another (such as a tractor, car, or animal)

: a period of service in the military, at a job, etc.

Full Definition of HITCH

: limp

: a sudden movement or pull : jerk <gave his trousers a hitch>

a : a sudden halt : stoppage

b : a usually unforeseen difficulty or obstacle <the plan went off without a hitch>

: the act or fact of catching hold

: a connection between a vehicle or implement and a detachable source of power (as a tractor or horse)

: a delimited period especially of military service

: any of various knots used to form a temporary noose in a line or to secure a line temporarily to an object

: lift 5b

See hitch defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of HITCH

1664

Related to HITCH

Synonyms: booby trap, catch, catch-22, gimmick, gotcha, pitfall, joker, land mine, snag

HITCHED Defined for Kids

¹hitch

verb \ˈhich\

hitchedhitch·ing

Definition of HITCH for Kids

: to fasten by or as if by a hook or knot <Hitch the horses to the wagon.>

: hitchhike

: to pull or lift (something) with a quick movement

²hitch

noun

Definition of HITCH for Kids

: an unexpected stop or problem <Even their opening performance in Seattle went off without a hitch … — Richard and Florence Atwater, Mr. Popper's Penguins>

: a jerky movement or pull <He gave his pants a hitch.>

: a knot used for a temporary fastening